35 Arabic Words Banned for Non-Muslim Use

If you are going to Malaysia, you had better watch your words. There are at least 35 Arabic words and expressions that non-Muslims are forbidden from using, either verbally or in writing. Malaysia is comprised of a mixed population of 50.4% native Malays, 23.7% Chinese, 7.1% Indian, and 18.8% indigenous or other, so Islam constitutes only a slight majority of the religious beliefs practiced in the country. While there is officially religious freedom, the Malay Muslims are a protected class in Malaysia.

The list of prohibited words varies depending on which state you are in. The following 10 Malaysian states have their own lists: Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, Terengganu. The penalty for using such words is not trivial: Up to two years in jail, a fine of about $1,000 U.S. dollars, or both. It seems that Muslims fear that Christians will use those words when reaching out to Muslims, and the Muslims may be convinced that Christianity is superior to Islam. This is clearly a case of extreme paranoia. Meanwhile, watch your words!

Here is the list (Note: The Malay rendering of Arabic words is sometimes different from the way Arabic words are Romanized in the West and in the Middle East. The common Romanized rendering was inserted when known):